This year’s tournament introduces a new level of international competition, featuring 20 teams, expanded regional representation, and a unique tournament patch that integrates Arena of Valor heroes into the competitive pool.

This landmark edition signals a major evolution for the global MOBA esports scene, uniting two of the biggest mobile titles into one shared competitive platform.

2026 Honor of Kings World Cup dates

2026 Honor of Kings World Cup takes place from July 30 to August 8, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

2026 Honor of Kings World Cup regional slot allocation

The 2026 Honor of Kings World Cup will feature 20 of the best teams in the world competing for a $3 million USD prize pool.

These teams have qualified through top-tier regional leagues and circuits, showcasing elite performance across multiple regions.

Notably, the tournament expands its global reach with representation from India, Thailand, Vietnam, as well as the Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau region.

• King Pro League Spring 2026 (KPL) – 2 teams
• Indonesia Kings Laga Spring 2026 (IKL) – 3 teams
• Philippine Kings League Spring 2026 (PKL) – 3 teams
• MY Honor of Kings League Spring 2026 (MKL) – 3 teams
• Honor of Kings Brazil Championship Fall 2026 (CHOKBR) – 2 teams
• Honor of Kings Major League Spring 2026 (KML) – 2 teams
• King’s Arise India: KWC at EWC26 Qualifier – 2 teams
• RoV Pro League 2026 Summer (RPL) – 1 invited team
• Arena of Glory Spring 2026 (AOG) – 1 invited team
• Garena Challenger Series Spring 2026 (GCS) – 1 invited team

Each slot represents the best-performing teams from their respective regions, ensuring a highly competitive international field.

2026 Honor of Kings World Cup tournament format and schedule

The tournament will unfold across three stages from July 30 to August 8, delivering high-stakes matches throughout the event.

A new cross-title competitive experience

One of the biggest highlights of the 2026 Honor of Kings World Cup is its innovative cross-title format. Teams from both Honor of Kings and Arena of Valor will compete together, enhanced by a special Esports World Cup tournament patch that introduces Arena of Valor heroes into the competition.

This creates a fresh competitive dynamic, blending playstyles, strategies, and hero pools from both games into a single unified esports experience.

The tournament builds on a milestone 2025, where the combined monthly active users of Honor of Kings titles surpassed 260 million globally.

Last year, AG.AL claimed the 2025 Honor of Kings World Cup title after pulling off a stunning reverse sweep against TT Global in the grand final, winning 4–3 despite falling behind 1–3 earlier in the series.

Hosted in Riyadh as part of the Esports World Cup, the tournament marked the inaugural edition of the competition, with AG.AL’s comeback going down as one of the most unforgettable moments in Honor of Kings esports history.

With the 2026 Honor of Kings World Cup on the horizon, players and fans can expect an even bigger spectacle as top teams clash on an unprecedented international stage.

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Indonesia opens a new chapter in the country’s esports story, following Jakarta’s hosting of the most-watched mobile esports tournament ever—the M7 World Championship.

This spotlight has cemented Indonesia as a leading force in the MLBB ecosystem.

MPL Indonesia Season 17 start and end date

The MPL Indonesia Season 17 regular season runs from Friday March 27 to Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Season 17 brings higher expectations, global relevance, and a mission to continue setting the standard for mobile esports.

As MLBB grows into a five-region structure, MPL Indonesia remains one of the most competitive and culturally influential leagues worldwide.

All teams competing in MPL Indonesia Season 17

• Alter Ego Esports (AE)
• ONIC Esports (ONIC)
• RRQ Hoshi (RRQ)
• Bigetron Esports (BTR)
• DEWA United Esports (DEWA)
• EVOS
• Geek Fam (GEEK)
• Natus Vincere (NAVI)
• Team Liquid ID (TLID)

Alter Ego Esports (AE): After a breakthrough M7 run, they face the challenge of sustaining performance across a full season.

ONIC Esports (ONIC): Dominant since Season 10, they remain the benchmark of consistency, now tasked with achieving a more complete identity.

RRQ Hoshi (RRQ): Under pressure after missing the Playoffs for the first time last season, they aim to rebuild and reclaim their legacy.

Competition meets culture: The Season 17 Opening Ceremony

The Regular Season Opening Ceremony, presented by Infinix, blends esports with Indonesian culture. The event highlights the league as a platform for creative expression, showcasing both live production and local artistry.

The ceremony emphasizes that MPL Indonesia is more than the nine teams on stage—it’s a community. Superfans, streamers, and production teams all contribute to the league’s identity.

Together, they embody the spirit of MPL Indonesia: WeOwnThis.

The opening culminates with SanZ of ONIC Esports carrying the Immortal Cup, symbolizing both tribute and reset.

Infinix also introduces the “KINGFINIX” title, a new recognition for the season’s champions, emphasizing that MPL Indonesia is defining icons, not just winners.

MLBB as a national sport, culture, and economic driver

Season 17 marks MLBB’s approach to its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of global influence. Indonesian players and fans have been integral to the game’s story from the start, helping push MLBB to international prominence.

Domestically, MPL Indonesia reflects Indonesia’s growing esports ecosystem. With support from national bodies and partnerships with organizations like EKRAF and regional esports federations, MLBB has become a recognized sport, a cultural platform, and an economic driver.

These collaborations foster talent development, industry standards, and digital economy opportunities nationwide.

“Moonton Games has been in the Indonesian market for over 10 years. We feel we have a responsibility to help grow the gaming and internet industry in Indonesia,” Cherry Xia, Vice President and Head of Publishing and Esports at Moonton Games said.

MPL Indonesia now represents more than competition—it’s a national institution shaping how Indonesian youth are viewed globally and how they see themselves.

The statement comes after a wave of criticism from players and the community, sparked by multiple incidents ranging from headset misuse to match operations and stage conditions.

VCT Pacific head Jake Sin from Riot Games had addressed many of these issues in a public interview with Indonesian caster and RRQ streamer Antonius “GLHFSon” Willson on March 23, 2026, offering additional context behind the league’s decisions.

Headset misuse in VCT Pacific: Confirmed, but not considered cheating

In its official statement, Riot confirmed two instances of improper headset usage during Kickoff involving Gen.G’s Kim “Lakia” Jong-min and Team Secret’s Ko “Sylvan” Young-sub.

After reviewing gameplay footage and voice comms, Riot stated there was no evidence of intentional abuse or competitive advantage, and both players received written warnings.

In the interview, Jake Sin commented that the league “missed the mark” by failing to catch the issue live. According to him, referees have since been retrained, and stricter monitoring protocols are now in place.

“To address this issue more proactively moving forward, we have strengthened monitoring protocols for headset usage during matches through enhanced Player POV oversight and updated referee checklist procedures,” Riot wrote in the official statement.

“We have also issued a precautionary notice to all teams with a reminder that players must ensure headsets fully cover their ears at all times and that they must also obtain referee approval before removing their headsets or risk penalty.”

Crucially, Riot maintains that while the misuse was a cause of concern, this incident did not meet the threshold for cheating, which requires both intent and proof that information was actually used in-game.

Riot doubles down on audio concerns, acknowledges perception gap

Stage audio was another major point brought up by the community, with concerns that players—particularly Korean-speaking ones—could gain an advantage from overhearing caster commentary.

Riot’s statement reiterates that its setup—combining in-ear monitors with white noise headsets—prevents players from hearing distinct words, even at peak volume.

Jake echoed this in his interview, saying internal testing shows that while players might hear some noise or crowd spikes, the audio is “virtually non-existent” in terms of usable information.

He also acknowledged a key issue: perception.

Jake suggested that non-Korean-speaking players may assume Korean players can understand leaked audio, even if it isn’t actually intelligible. At the same time, he said that the league should have taken complaints more seriously in real time, instead of failing to initiate checks or pauses during matches.

Riot now says it will implement more aggressive audio testing and faster response protocols, suggesting a shift toward being more proactive rather than reactive.

The Paper Rex controversy

One of the most talked-about incidents—Paper Rex’s remake involving an agent unlock issue—was addressed by Jake during the interview but not in Riot’s official statement.

In the YouTube interview, Jake clarified that:

• The first mistake (failing to unlock an agent) resulted in a formal warning, consistent with global rules
• The second incident occurred because tournament operations started the lobby too early, preventing the player from fixing the issue
• As a result, no additional penalty was issued, since the fault lay with the organizers

Jake emphasized that the bigger problem wasn’t favoritism, but poor communication, particularly with the opposing team, which led to confusion and frustration.

Smoking in the toilet and enforcement gaps in VCT Pacific

Another issue raised involved allegations of a team smoking in a venue bathroom during the event.

Jake said that the initial report was dismissed due to a lack of evidence—something he later acknowledged was a mistake in handling.

The situation was revisited after the fact, at which point the team involved admitted the incident had occurred, resulting in a formal warning being issued.

Jake also pointed out that the act wasn’t just against league rules—it was illegal, highlighting a lapse not just in enforcement, but in escalation procedures.

Across both the official statement and Jake’s interview, one theme stands out: communication breakdowns.

“If players feel like they have to resort to going out in public and saying things for any change to be made, I think we as the league are doing a really poor job,” Jake said to GLHFSon.

He identified this as his biggest regret, noting that players and coaches are lacking clear, effective channels to raise concerns directly with the league.

The Singapore-headquartered organization finished as runners-up at the international tournament, extending an unprecedented streak of consistency while achieving a major financial milestone that only one other team in history has reached.

Held in Santiago, Chile on March 15, 2026, Valorant Masters Santiago saw PRX secure second place after losing 3-0 to South Korea’s Nongshim RedForce in the Grand Final at Espacio Riesco Convention and Events Center.

The result earned the team US$200,000 in prize money, further boosting their already impressive international track record.

Paper Rex becomes a defining moment for VCT history

With this finish, Paper Rex officially crossed US$2 million in all-time VCT prize earnings, becoming only the second team in the history of the Valorant Champions Tour to do so—just behind Fnatic.

This milestone also makes them the first Singapore-based esports organization to surpass the US$2 million mark, reinforcing their status as a global powerhouse.

Record-breaking consistency on the world stage

Beyond prize money, PRX continues to set records that highlight their dominance in competitive Valorant:

• 8 consecutive top-four finishes at international VCT events — a world record
• Top-four placement at every international tournament entered since 2022
• 4 Grand Finals appearances, second only to Fnatic’s five

No other team in the five-year history of the VCT has matched this level of sustained excellence on the international stage.

Harley “dsn” Örvall, Chief Gaming Officer of Paper Rex, acknowledged the result while emphasizing the team’s bigger achievements: “No team sets out to finish second. But Paper Rex have now reached the world championship final four times, qualified for 12 out of 13 international events, and never once failed to be among the last teams standing.”

Head Coach Alexandre “alecks” Sallé added that the team’s journey is far from over. “This result is a chapter, not a conclusion. We will take what we’ve learned, work even harder, and come back stronger,” he said.

What’s next for Paper Rex

Following their Masters Santiago run, Paper Rex will take a short break before returning to competition in the VCT Pacific League Stage 2 in Seoul.

The team is also aiming to qualify for the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh and Valorant Champions 2026 in Shanghai.

With their track record, Paper Rex remains one of the strongest contenders to finally secure the world championship title that has so far eluded them.

About Masters Santiago

Masters Santiago 2026, part of the official Valorant Champions Tour, brought together 12 of the world’s top teams from the Americas, EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and China for a 15-day global showdown.

Broadcast live on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, the tournament reached a peak of 883,000 concurrent viewers and amassed over 27.5 million hours watched worldwide—figures that rival, and in some cases surpass, the audiences of major international sporting events, underscoring the continued rise of competitive Valorant on the global stage.

The meeting reaffirmed the Indonesian government’s commitment to strengthening the national esports ecosystem and accelerating the development of young digital talent across the country.

Mobile Legends in Indonesia: Driving the digital economy through esports

During the discussion, Vice President Gibran emphasized how esports has evolved into a key component of Indonesia’s digital and creative economy.

Beyond entertainment, competitive gaming now creates new professional pathways and strengthens Indonesia’s presence on the global competitive stage.

He highlighted the importance of:

• Structured talent development
• Stronger industry collaboration
• Cultivating professional digital athletes
• Expanding scouting pathways for the next generation

Kenny Deo, coach of Alter Ego Esports, shared that the Vice President expressed firm support for initiatives aimed at nurturing young players and broadening industry opportunities.

“The Vice President conveyed his commitment to supporting esports from various aspects, including strengthening the ecosystem, developing professional players, and expanding talent scouting for the next generation,” he said.

The conversation also stressed the need to build wider public understanding that esports is not merely entertainment, but a rapidly growing professional industry that contributes to Indonesia’s digital economy and global competitiveness.

Indonesia’s global impact through Mobile Legends

Government support has expanded alongside the rapid rise of competitive gaming in the country. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has become one of the central pillars of Indonesia’s esports ecosystem, with the nation hosting major international tournaments and producing world-class professional teams.

In January 2026, Jakarta hosted the M7 World Championship, the flagship global tournament for MLBB esports.

The event gathered teams from around the world and recorded more than 5.68 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV), according to Esports Charts.

This milestone made it the most-watched mobile esports tournament in history and further cemented Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s leading esports markets.

Moonton Games reinforces long-term commitment to Indonesia

Moonton Games reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Indonesia following the Vice President’s show of support for the country’s growing esports ecosystem.

Cherry Xia, Vice President and Head of Publishing and Esports, said the government welcomed the rapid growth of MLBB and expressed hopes for deeper collaboration beyond Jakarta, expanding programmes to more regions nationwide.

Highlighting Indonesia as a core market for over a decade, Cherry noted that MLBB will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, underscoring the company’s sustained investment in the country. She emphasised that Moonton Games sees itself as more than a game publisher, but as a stakeholder with a responsibility to help develop Indonesia’s gaming and internet industries.

Beyond competition, the company has also strengthened community engagement through initiatives such as its largest-ever Ramadan “Golden Month” charity drive, targeting IDR 200 million in fundraising to support children battling cancer and underprivileged youth through in-game and grassroots participation.

As Indonesia cements its status as one of the world’s largest gaming markets, continued collaboration between government and industry is expected to be key in ensuring Mobile Legends in Indonesia remains both economically impactful and socially sustainable.

Not only that, this year’s will see a broader international footprint, a strengthened competitive format, and a deeper commitment to global accessibility under Moonton Games’ five-region strategy.

It reflects the publisher’s long-term globalization roadmap, featuring expanded regional representation and an evolved qualification structure designed to make the path to the world stage clearer for emerging regions.

US$3.5 million prize pool and expanded qualification pathways

With a combined US$3,500,000 prize pool, MLBB at EWC 2026 signals sustained competitive momentum.

The MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) at EWC26 will feature 16 of the world’s top teams, all earning qualification through an increasingly robust system spanning major professional leagues and regional championships.

The expanded framework aims to reinforce competitive integrity while offering more structured opportunities for new regions and rising teams to break into the global spotlight.

Largest Wild Card yet and five-region integration

Aligned with MLBB’s five-region overhaul strategy, MSC at EWC26 introduces its largest Wild Card tournament to date, featuring 10 teams — including representatives from Western Europe.

This move strengthens the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), alongside SEA (Southeast Asia), AMER (Americas), EECA (Eastern Europe and Central Asia), and EA (East Asia).

In another milestone, India will debut at the MSC at EWC26 Main Stage, marking a significant step forward in expanding the game’s competitive ecosystem and deepening regional inclusion.

MWI 2026 expands women’s pathways

The MLBB Women’s Invitational (MWI) also returns at EWC26, further reinforcing MLBB’s commitment to inclusivity in esports.

This year introduces the MWI 2026 Western Europe Qualifier, strengthening regional representation and providing clearer qualification pathways for women competitors.

MWI at EWC26 will run from 13 to 17 July, 2026 and feature 16 teams.

Reigning champions Team Vitality will automatically secure a slot to defend their title as the world’s strongest MLBB women’s team. Last year, Team Vitality completed a historic comeback to claim their third MWI championship, solidifying their reputation as the Queens of MLBB Esports.

MWI continues to serve as a global platform where women stand alongside the world’s best esports athletes with structured support and international visibility.

Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at Moonton Games, emphasized the long-term ambition behind the five-region overhaul.

He stated that the strategy is designed to make the journey to the world stage clearer and more accessible for every region, giving new players more opportunities to prove themselves and enabling emerging regions to compete with confidence.

At the same time, Moonton remains committed to providing women in MLBB with meaningful competitive platforms, structured pathways, and the visibility they deserve.

MLBB’s continued expansion builds on its impressive performance at EWC 2025, where it emerged as one of the most-watched titles of the event. The game recorded over 47 million hours watched, accounting for more than 12% of total viewership across all 25 disciplines at the world’s largest multi-title esports event.

The MSC also reached a historic 3.26 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV), according to Esports Charts, underscoring MLBB’s status as a major force in global mobile esports.

With expanded regional participation, enhanced qualification pathways, and sustained competitive growth, MLBB at EWC 2026 further cements its position as a leading global mobile esports powerhouse — one that continues to scale both structurally and culturally across regions worldwide.

Announced on February 24, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, the initiative sets the foundation for a long-term, sustainable structure for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY), Malaysia’s largest and longest-running esports league.

Under the new franchising model, eight organizations—ranging from homegrown powerhouses to international brands—will compete under one banner as official league partners.

All teams competing in MPL MY Season 17

• Selangor Red Giants (SRG)
• Team Vamos (VMS)
• Team Rey (TR)
• Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ)
• Bigetron MY by VIT (BTRM)
• All Combo (AC)
• Invictus Gaming (iG)
• Team Flash (TF)

These franchised teams are not merely participants for a single split; they are long-term stakeholders tasked with shaping the competitive and commercial trajectory of MPL Malaysia.

The announcement, powered by CelcomDigi, was led by Krystal Tan of Moonton Games, alongside MESF President Muhammad Naim Al Amin and ESI CEO Ahmed Faris Amir at the MSN Esports Hub.

Tan called it a pioneering move that unites local and international teams to raise competitive standards and strengthen Malaysia’s global esports standing, adding that the eight teams were chosen to support the long-term growth of Malaysian esports.

A milestone for Malaysian esports

Beyond competitive upgrades, the franchised model signals the growing maturity of Malaysia’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports ecosystem. The Partnership Program introduces structural stability, enabling organizations to invest confidently in player development, infrastructure, branding, and commercial partnerships.

With eight confirmed partner teams and a long-term operational structure now in place, MPL MY Season 17 enters the year with renewed momentum. Further details about the upcoming season are expected to be announced soon.

Muhammad Naim Al Amin, President of MESF, described the initiative as a major milestone not just for MPL MY, but for Malaysia’s broader esports ambitions.

He emphasized the country’s goal of becoming a regional esports powerhouse, noting that structured, sustainable league ecosystems are essential to long-term success.

Similarly, Ahmed Faris Amir, CEO of ESI, welcomed the program as a private-sector effort that complements the Malaysian government’s push to formalize and professionalize the industry. Representing the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), he said franchising creates clearer career pathways for young Malaysians while raising overall industry standards.

How MPL MY compares to other franchised MLBB Leagues

MPL Malaysia joins a growing list of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang leagues that have adopted franchising to ensure long-term stability and commercial growth.

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Indonesia (MPL ID) transitioned into a franchised system in 2019, becoming one of the most commercially successful MLBB leagues globally, regularly filling arenas and attracting major sponsorships.

Similarly, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) implemented a franchise model that has helped produce world champion organizations and sustain consistent international success.

Other regions, including the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Singapore (MPL SG), have also embraced structured, partner-based systems to stabilize their domestic ecosystems.

By formalizing its eight-team franchised lineup, MPL MY Season 17 aligns Malaysia with these established markets—signaling both competitive ambition and commercial maturity.

The new era has officially begun.

A part of the OPPO Hyper Legend Cup x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang initiative, it invites university students across Southeast Asia to seize their golden moment on the competitive stage.

The OPPO Hyper Legend Cup collaboration with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang began in 2025 with the OPPO Smooth Legend Cup, marking the first large-scale esports partnership between OPPO and Moonton Games.

It was launched as part of MLBB’s Golden Month campaign to celebrate the game’s community while expanding structured competitive opportunities in Southeast Asia.

MLBB Campus Series opens registration to Southeast Asia

To all aspiring esports athletes in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore — the OPPO Hyper Legend Cup x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Campus Series (MCS) has begun a new chapter.

Building upon last year’s OPPO Smooth Legend Cup, this year’s tournament marks a strategic evolution. Instead of focusing purely on grassroots competition, the spotlight now shifts directly to the campus ecosystem.

The initiative is designed to strengthen collegiate esports across Southeast Asia by creating a structured and sustainable pathway for university players and recent graduates to compete not just nationally, but regionally — with a total prize pool of US$100,000 and 1.2 million Diamonds up for grabs.

Who can compete in MLBB Campus Series?

The tournament is open to university students aged 18 and above, as well as alumni who graduated within the last two years.

This eligibility structure ensures that current students and recent graduates both have the opportunity to represent their institutions.

Participants will compete across three structured stages:

• National Qualifiers
• National Finals
• Cross-National Finals

The competition spans four countries: Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The National Qualifiers takes place in the first to second week of March.

The National Finals will then be held in the second to third week of March.

The tournament will culminate in the Cross-National Finals from 16 to 19 April 2026, hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Registration links for each country are available below:

• Indonesia: https://www.oppo.com/id/events/mlbb-and-oppo-hyper-legend-cup-2026/
• Philippines: https://www.oppo.com/ph/events/mlbb-and-oppo-hyper-legend-cup-2026/
• Malaysia: https://www.oppo.com/my/events/mlbb-and-oppo-hyper-legend-cup-2026/
• Singapore: https://www.oppo.com/sg/events/mlbb-and-oppo-hyper-legend-cup-2026/

A direct pathway from Campus to Regional Spotlight

As part of its broader collegiate esports development strategy, the OPPO Hyper Legend Cup x MLBB Campus Series will collaborate with the Moonton Student Leader Championship (MSLC) program in Malaysia.

In a significant move to strengthen structured progression, the winner of MSL Season 6 will directly qualify for the Cross-National Finals to represent Malaysia at the regional stage. This creates a clear pathway connecting campus-level competition to cross-national opportunities.

Jeffery Chan, MLBB Malaysia Game Publishing Lead – Business Development and Campus Marketing at Moonton Games, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration between OPPO and the MSL Championship.

He noted that establishing a direct pathway from the MSL Championship Finals to OPPO’s Cross-National Finals bridges campus tournaments with larger regional opportunities — an important step in strengthening Malaysia’s esports ecosystem.

A strategic collaboration for Campus esports growth

The OPPO Hyper Legend Cup x MLBB Campus Series is launched through a collaboration between global technology brand OPPO and international game developer MOONTON Games as part of MLBB’s Golden Month campaign.

Following last year’s successful partnership, both parties continue to expand large-scale gaming celebrations while strengthening long-term ecosystem development.

Through this cross-national campus tournament, they aim to empower university students across Southeast Asia with structured competitive opportunities and a clear pathway to showcase their skills regionally.

Representatives from both companies emphasized their shared vision of building a sustainable esports ecosystem, combining OPPO’s innovation with MLBB’s thriving community to help students represent their universities and create their own golden moments.

Featuring top players from regional qualifiers in Japan, Asia, Europe, and North America, the championship offers a grand prize of US$100,000 and a chance to become the first-ever Virtua Fighter Global Champion.

Virtua Fighter Open Championship date and venue

• Date: March 1, 2026
• Venue: TOKYO NODE HALL, Toranomon Hills Station Tower 45F–47F
• Address: 2-6-2 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
  Enter via the 45th floor Arrival Hall, then use escalator or EAST elevator to reach the venue.

How to get tickets to Virtua Fighter Open Championship

Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Spectators have until the February 17, 10:59 (GMT+8) to register.

1. Open the official Virtua Fighter Open Championship registration form
2. Fill in your details: Email, name, and answer one question, “Who are you rooting for at the Global Finals?”
3. Check the box below to agree with its terms and conditions
4. Click “Submit” at the bottom to send in your registration form.

Virtua Fighter Open Championship attendee merch gifts

• VF Mesh Tote Bag
• VF Original Neck Strap
• VF Series Logo Stickers (2 random designs)
• “Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage” Character Badges (3 random designs)

Gifts are exclusive for attendees watching the event inside the hall.

Virtua Fighter Open Championship schedule (JST)

Note that the schedule may adjust depending on match progress.

Gameplay and demo areas

The Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Area will feature open challenge battles and mini-tournaments where attendees can test their skills against other players.

One highlight is the Just Tournament – Type 2 Cup, a single-match, 16-player tournament with 45-second time limits. Participants are selected by lottery, so players should arrive at least 20 minutes before the tournament begins to secure their chance to compete.

When mini-tournaments are not running, the Free Knock-Out area will be open for challenge matches. Players who achieve five consecutive wins will receive a Virtua Fighter Mini Acrylic Figure, making it a fun opportunity for both casual and competitive attendees to showcase their skills.

The Food and Drink Area offers a variety of refreshments, including alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and food. Each purchase comes with a random Virtua Fighter series logo sticker, adding a collectible element to every snack or drink.

Finally, the Merchandise Corner will feature exclusive collaborations with the apparel brand Soxsocks, giving visitors a chance to pick up unique Virtua Fighter-themed items while enjoying the event.

Where to watch Virtua Fighter Open Championship livestream

Catch the open championship live on March 1, 2026 on their official YouTube channel.

What is Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is the latest installment in the iconic Virtua Fighter series, which has been a pioneer in 3D fighting games since its debut in 1993, offering fast-paced, skill-based combat and a diverse roster of characters.

With updated mechanics, stunning visuals, and multiplayer modes across PlayStation5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, players can compete in casual matches, mini-tournaments, or full-scale Global Finals, making it the ultimate destination for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Philippine Senate includes lawmakers who are formally recognizing the team and the SIBOL national squad for their international results.

The acknowledgment comes after Aurora’s 4–0 grand final win over Alter Ego and SIBOL’s SEA Games medal finishes at the 33rd SEA Games.

Senate recognizes Aurora Gaming PH and SIBOL esports team

The Philippine Senate acknowledged Aurora Gaming PH and the SIBOL national esports team, citing the preparation and discipline required to compete at the international level.

Lawmakers noted that esports athletes undergo structured training, strategic preparation, and mental conditioning comparable to traditional high-performance sports.

Senator Bong Go said Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has become popular among Filipino youth and can serve as a productive outlet.

“Many young people today are playing MLBB. It is one way to keep them away from harmful vices,” Go said.

“Some of them have become successful not just locally but also internationally. This creates opportunities for the youth, including careers in esports, content creation, and digital entrepreneurship. It inspires them to develop their talents and use technology in a meaningful way.”

Go added that Aurora Gaming PH’s M7 World Championship win reflects the country’s strength in competitive gaming.

“This victory is not only a triumph for Aurora Gaming PH, but also a reflection of the country’s excellence in MLBB and esports,” he said. “It strengthens our aspiration for the Philippines to be recognized as a sports powerhouse in Asia.” he said.

Philippine Esports Organization executive director Marlon Marcelo said government recognition could help improve infrastructure and support systems for esports athletes.

“The Senate’s recognition of esports as part of Philippine sports has opened the door for better infrastructure, stronger athlete protection, and increased investment,” Marcelo said. “Esports is no longer just a pastime—it has become a source of national pride.”